In a mid-air scare, Delta Air Lines Flight 446, operated by a Boeing 767-400 aircraft, which was en route to Atlanta from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), had to make an emergency landing back at the airport on Friday. One of its engines reportedly caught fire shortly after takeoff.
Delta Air Lines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Fire
Passengers onboard the flight Delta Air Lines 446, operated by a Boeing 767-400 aircraft, faced a mid-air scare when one of its engines caught fire just after take-off. As per a report by The Indian Express, the flight en route to Atlanta made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday after flames were seen coming out of its left engine.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the plane managed a safe landing back at the airport. The fire crew present at the runway quickly responded and extinguished the flames. A Delta Air Lines spokesperson told the BBC that the airline is fully cooperating with the investigation and is also reviewing its safety protocols.
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FAA Begins Investigation
As per a report by NDTV World News, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which looks after aviation safety in the United States, has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the sudden fire. Reportedly, the flight crew announced an emergency shortly after takeoff. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) guided the aircraft back towards the airport and immediately alerted officials on the ground.
The flight DL446 initially ascended over the Pacific Ocean before turning back inland, passing over the Downey and Paramount areas. This manoeuvre gave the crew enough time to prepare the aircraft for landing as per safety protocols. Moreover, the plane maintained a controlled altitude and speed throughout, which helped ensure a safe return to the airport.
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The aircraft, which is said to be 25 years old, runs on 2 General Electric CF6 engines. The investigation is currently underway to identify the exact cause of the incident. Officials are now awaiting further reports from the airline.
Cover Image Courtesy: Delta Air Lines, Wikipedia/ AEMoreira042281